ST. LOUIS – The lives of millions of wine lovers who avoid sulfites and preservatives or suffer from sulfite sensitivities will forever be changed in 2015.
YourBevCo LLC, a St. Louis, Missouri startup that focuses on developing innovative devices that remove problematic ingredients from beverages, has launched an Indiegogo.com campaign to fund its high-tech, sulfite removal product playfully named StiQitTM. StiQit is a single use, consumer friendly, disposable device that easily removes all sulfites from any 8 oz. or less glass of wine in just seconds without affecting the taste, appearance or aroma.
Alan MacInnes, CEO & President of YourBevCo, said the team came up with the idea for StiQit as several of them have had close experiences with ingredient sensitivities, including sulfites.
“We formed YourBevCo in mid 2013 to develop products that remove problematic ingredients from beverages. We discussed the issues that arise from sulfite sensitivities. I had an immediate interest because my wife happens to be one of the millions that suffers from sulfite sensitivity and as a result has negative health consequences after drinking only a glass or two of wine” he said. “We took this idea for a sulfite removal device to other scientific colleagues and beverage industry experts who all validated the need for a consumer friendly device like this. It became very clear that this was a product that needed to be created, so StiQit was born.”
Sulfites are chemical compounds added to wine and other beverages to preserve it for shipment and to prolong the shelf life for retail. Sulfites are currently listed among the top 10 food allergens affecting the general population today. Millions are affected by sulfites, many of who are unaware of their own sensitivity. Reactions can include the following:
• Headaches
• Blotchy skin, redness, rash or flushing of the face
• Stuffiness, nasal congestion and breathing difficulties
• Upset stomach, diarrhea and vomiting
• Low blood pressure, dizziness
StiQit, utilizing a precise quantity of proprietary developed active ingredients that are 100% safe and approved for use in food and beverages, is the fastest and easiest way to remove all sulfites from any wine, anywhere, anytime. StiQit also removes all sulfites from any 8 oz. serving of cider or champagne.
“If you can stir a drink, you can easily and quickly enjoy sulfite free wine,” says John Giarrante, Chief Marketing Officer for YourBevCo. “We worked hard to make sure the product was easy to use. Just remove the StiQit aerator stick from its package, give your glass of wine a couple of quick stirs and that’s it, you just removed all the sulfites from your wine. It is amazingly portable too; about the size of a stir straw, it can be kept just about anywhere, in your purse or in your pocket. Just StiQit, Swirl it, Enjoy your wine Sulfite Free.”
MacInnes said he anticipates a large demand for StiQit. Months before the Indiegogo launch, his team had been busy presenting the idea of StiQit to the innovation community and wine industry as well as to individuals involved in the health and wellness industry.
“There has been a great reaction and high level of interest in this product,” MacInnes said. “We are very excited to be able to bring this product to market and offer those who either suffer from sulfite sensitivity or want to live a healthier lifestyle by eliminating sulfites from their diets. StiQit lets you enjoy your favorite wine without the worry. After all, life is just better with wine”
About StiQit (www.juststiqit.com)
StiQit, Swirl it, Enjoy It, Live Sulfite Free. Please visit www.igg.me/at/juststiqit for more information. Make sure to sign up to receive updates on our Indiegogo campaign launch and product news at www.juststiqit.com. Follow StiQit on Twitter @JustStiQit, Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+. Join the Sulfite Free Movement!
The StiQit Indiegogo campaign can be found at www.igg.me/at/juststiqit.
